Tribunal rules in Zakhem's favour
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday May 18, 2024 06:00
Zakhem had taken the BFL and shareholders, Masitaoka's Godfrey Ratlhaga and TAFIC's Tumelo Toteng before the Arbitration Tribunal for holding what he argued was an illegal meeting.
The gathering held in Palapye on December 16, 2023, was meant to oust Zakhem and BFL board member, Jagdish Shah.
The Gaborone United (GU) president challenged the resolutions made in Palapye leading to a two-week Botswana Premier League (BPL) halt. Zakhem queried the legitimacy of the Palapye meeting and asked the resolution taken at the gathering to be nullified. On May 7, the Arbitration Tribunal led by chairperson, Keneilwe Mere, ruled in favour of Zakhem.
The judgment says the BFL and two named chairpersons did not respond to Zakhem's submission. The ruling says, as per the BFL constitution, a meeting should be held through the chairperson unless they have communicated their absence or are incapable of attending. 'On the basis of the mandatory provisions of the constitution, the failure of the respondents to comply with the provisions of the constitution by convening a meeting of shareholders to the exclusion of the complaint and passing resolutions, was an irregularity.
The Arbitration Tribunal finds, in the absence of an explanation or response by the respondents, that the respondents failed to observe and follow provisions of the BFL constitution and therefore the meeting of 16th December is de facto a nullity and of no force and effect including all resolutions taken at the same meeting,' reads the judgment. Meanwhile, the league action will this weekend enter the final three rounds of the 2023-2024 season in the wake of Monday's decision to dock some teams points. Mmegi Sport is informed several clubs are yet to challenge the BFL decision.
The Lobatse Sports Complex will host two crucial fixtures with the potential of having a say in the league championship. On Saturday afternoon, second-placed Gaborone United (GU) take on Orapa United while leaders and champions Jwaneng Galaxy will be away to Township Rollers on Sunday. Only five points separate the top three teams, Galaxy, GU, and Rollers, and each have a chance at the title. Popa will need to win against the reigning champions on Sunday to keep their chances alive.
The Galaxy Stars on the other hand know a victory on Sunday will move them to within just two points of their second consecutive league title. The Reds on the other hand will hope to stay within two points of Galaxy. In other games, Nico United visit Masitaoka at the Dinaledi Football Academy Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Morupule Wanderers welcome TAFIC at the Palapye Stadium while struggling Police XI and BDF XI lock horns at the VTM Arena. Eleven Angels host Holy Ghost at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. On Sunday afternoon, Matebele FC and VTM FC clash at the Dinaledi Football Academy Stadium while Security Systems welcome high-flying Sua Flamingoes. Kick-off for all games is at 3pm.